Small Michigan town experiences job growth and debates with the arrival of new Ford EV battery plant

Marshall, Michigan is preparing for a major change as construction begins on a new $3.5 billion Ford plant that will produce batteries for electric vehicles. The decision to build the plant in Marshall was influenced by new federal tax credits for electric vehicles and batteries. While many in the town are excited about the economic opportunities the plant will bring, others have concerns about the impact it will have on their small, charming community.

Marshall, with a population of just under 7,000 residents, has experienced job losses in recent years, with companies downsizing or moving elsewhere. The announcement of the new Ford plant has been seen as a boost for the local economy, providing stability and potential growth for small businesses. Derek Allen, who runs a non-profit in Marshall, expressed his excitement for the new plant, stating that it will benefit businesses in the community.

However, not everyone is convinced that the change will be positive for Marshall. Concerns have been raised about environmental protections and Ford’s partnership with a Chinese battery company. Signs opposing the plant have appeared in the neighborhood closest to the construction site, expressing concerns about the loss of land and the impact of industry on the town’s rural fields.

The political implications of the new plant are also being considered. Marshall is located in Calhoun County, which voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 election. President Joe Biden and Democrats are hoping to win the support of swing district voters like those in Marshall by highlighting the economic impacts of legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. However, a poll conducted in July found that the majority of Americans had little to no knowledge of the new law.

In Marshall, most residents are more focused on the incentives and tax breaks offered by Michigan’s state government rather than the federal funding. Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is running for Michigan’s open Senate seat, has emphasized that it was Biden, not Trump, who was responsible for bringing new jobs to the area.

Republican challengers, on the other hand, have criticized the law despite the new jobs it will create. Some have compared the new Ford plant to the failed solar panel start-up, Solyndra, and argue that it is taking money from working-class individuals and giving it to large corporations.

The long-term impact of the plant on Marshall and its politics is yet to be seen. The plant is not expected to be complete until 2026, making it difficult for Democratic candidates to fully capitalize on the promise of new jobs. However, the development of the plant itself could influence how people vote in the future, with some crediting Democrats for the economic development and others expressing concerns and potentially voting against them.

As Marshall navigates this major change, the town and its residents are grappling with the pros and cons of the new Ford plant. The excitement for economic stability and growth is juxtaposed with concerns about the impact on the town’s character and environment. Only time will tell how Marshall will adapt and evolve with the introduction of this major industry.

Original Story at www.cnbc.com – 2023-09-01 17:11:29